Legal and industry experts believe it's a matter of time before Microsoft seeks a settlement with Burst concerning technology to send movies and sounds more quickly over the Internet.

Burst accuses Microsoft of theft and anticompetitive behavior after their talks broke down and Microsoft developed similar technology it calls Corona. The company filed a lawsuit in June 2002.

Microsoft denies any wrongdoing, but is now expected to look for a settlement after a federal judge appeared skeptical of the company's claims.

The case is not expected to go to trial for another year, barring a settlement.

On its Web site, Burst says that Microsoft's Windows Media Player -- as well as Apple's Quicktime -- have been "Burst-enabled."